When Max Morrow graduated from Durham College’s (DC) Human Resources – Business Administration program in 2025, it was just the latest step on his long post-secondary journey.

He had previously completed the Advertising and Promotion program in 2022. He returned to DC that fall for a different program, but quickly decided to transfer into Human Resources. The rest, as they say, is history. Finding a career path that spoke to him, he excelled in the program and embraced all aspects of college life before graduating last June. Then, last fall, he began his studies at Ontario Tech University in their Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management program.

He spoke to us about his DC experience, discovering his passion for Human Resources, and why students should get involved outside the classroom.

How would you describe your experience in the HR program?

My experience was amazing and played a big role in my personal and professional growth. The program gave me the opportunity to learn and develop the foundational skills needed to become an HR professional, and it helped me understand how HR contributes to organizational success and business sustainability.

What was your favorite part of the program?

My Compensation and Benefits class in third year. We had the opportunity to work with small businesses that were looking to develop their own compensation systems. It was a great experience because it connected classroom learning with real-world challenges. It also gave students valuable experience to add to their resumes and opportunities to network and build professional relationships.

What are some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

One challenge I faced was with some of the math-based courses required to complete the program. By communicating my concerns early with my professors, Student Academic Learning Services, and the Access and Support Centre, I was able to get the help I needed. Their support helped me successfully complete the courses and build more confidence with the material.

You held a work study program with DC’s Human Resources department. How did that come about?

I was very fortunate to learn about the work study program very early on. I was hired into DC’s HR department and I honestly loved it right from the beginning and I learned so much. It was a great complement to my education. What I was learning in the classroom was being practically used in the actual field, and that was really cool for me to see. I’d recommend work study positions for students, 100 per cent, because you get your feet wet and see what your field is actually like. It’s building that little bit of experience and knowledge of the field that you’re about to enter into very shortly, and you’re building a great network for yourself.

Would you recommend the program, and why?

I would absolutely recommend DC’s Human Resources program to anyone interested in this career path. HR is part of every industry and offers many different career paths such as recruitment, employee relations, HR management, compensation, organizational development, health and safety, training and development, HRIS, HR planning, and workplace law. It’s a field that continues to evolve and will always be an important part of an organization’s success.

What were some highlights of your time at DC?

Some of the best parts of my time at DC were the experiences I had outside the classroom. I started the Durham College Human Resource Association, I also served as the Student Director for the Faculty of Business and Information Technology on the Durham College Student Association (DCSA) Board, where I helped represent student voices and provide input on key decisions.

On top of that, I was part of the Program Advisory Committee, the College Advisory Council, and even helped with the approval process for the first HR degree program. I also sat on the Human Resources Student Advisory Council, where we worked with local businesses and community partners.

Being involved in all of this made my time at DC really fulfilling. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and apply what I was learning in real situations.

What motivated you to start the Durham College Human Resources Association?

I wanted to give students a space to learn outside the classroom; a chance to grow and connect beyond academics, and to make connections outside of that. I knew what it felt like to come out of college and not really have a network, so it was really important for me to give that back to students.

What advice do you have for future HR students?

My advice to future HR students would be to focus on developing strong communication and interpersonal skills, since HR professionals work closely with people and often deal with sensitive situations. I would also highly recommend getting involved outside the classroom by joining the Durham College Human Resources Association, attending networking events hosted by the College, and connecting with the DCSA. These experiences help you grow beyond the classroom, build your network, and stand out from other graduates entering the field.